Abstract
Purpose: :
To report an unusual case of bilateral massive retinal gliosis in the setting of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) related retinal detachment.
Methods: :
A 39 year old male with history of untreated ROP and no light perception in both eyes developed chronic bilateral ocular discomfort secondary to recurrent erosions and band keratopathy with phthysis. He eventually underwent bilateral enucleation. The eyes were analyzed by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Past ocular history is significant for bilateral retinal detachment and reattachment surgery in the left eye only at the age of 12 years.
Results: :
Microscopic examination of both eyes disclosed similar findings. The internal structures were disorganized with diffuse calcification and bone formation at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. No retinal tissue could be identified. The retina was completely replaced by a nodular proliferation of uniform spindle and oval cells that filled the entire vitreous cavity. The cells had indistinct borders and were arranged in a fascicular and whirly pattern. No pigmented cells or mitotic figures were present. Numerous abnormal blood vessels with extensive hyalinization were present, some associated with perivascular mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrates. Immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with the diagnosis of massive retinal gliosis.
Conclusions: :
Massive retinal gliosis is a rare, benign intraocular condition that may develop in association with long standing eye conditions including chronic inflammation, vascular disorders, glaucoma, trauma, or congenital abnormalities. To our knowledge this may be the first described case of bilateral massive retinal gliosis in association with ROP related retinal detachment.
Keywords: pathology: human • retinal glia • retinopathy of prematurity